Utah Jazz notes: Enes Kanter gets back on track

Jazz notes • He rebounds from pair of poor outings to shine against Heat.

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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Orlando, Fla. •Â Enes Kanter didn't want to blame anything for his performances against San Antonio and Denver, a pair of games in which he combined to make just 1 of 11 shots, while only grabbing two rebounds.

After coach Ty Corbin mentioned that the center had been dealing with a minor back injury, Kanter said, "I don't want to make excuses. I just need to be more focused and that's it."

The third-year big man got back on track in the first half of Monday's game against the Heat. After sitting the entire first quarter, he scored 10 points and hauled in seven boards in the second.

"Everyone knows Enes is good," guard Alec Burks said. "He had a couple of rough games, but he's back. I knew he was going to get back right. Enes is a good player. He has his head on straight, so I know he is going to get better."

Kanter saw more time in the second half (just under 9 minutes, compared to the 8:12 he played in the first), but wasn't as effective, managing just one more basket and board.

ARTICLE PHOTO GALLERY

"In the second half they were not going to let him get the ball in the post," Corbin said. "They fronted him more. They were more aggressive on the ball. Enes couldn't get the ball where he wanted to get it."

Star struck?

Jazz rookie Trey Burke shot just 1 of 8 against Miami and Corbin said he thought the youngster got caught up in the moment.

"The first time against the Miami Heat, the world champions," Corbin said. "These guys watch the games. They're fans of it. They're fans of the players. Then you have the game going on."

Unmask him

Forward Marvin Williams has been playing with a protective mask after breaking his nose in a game earlier this season. Williams said he's been instructed to wear the mask for another two weeks or so.

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